RUSSIAN revellers have had their New Year’s Eve plans halted by party pooper Putin, as he imposes a holiday booze ban across the country.
Fireworks and public festivities have been scrapped in major city centres, while some Russians have been urged not to ring the new year in at all, amid “security” fears.
On top of the holiday prohibition, the Kremlin has also told residents to expect mobile internet disruptions being openly trailed, as well as alcohol sales being restricted.
The ongoing war with Ukraine has been blamed for the party prohibitions, however the strict regulations were tightened in time for New Year – the most important holiday on the Russian calendar.
State media reported that authorities in at least 64 of the country’s 89 regions announced New Year’s Eve fireworks will not go ahead in major cities.
The cancellations are expected to continue prior to December 31.
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Only Chukotka – a far eastern region of Russia, close to Alaska – is the only region set to celebrate the holiday with the usual fireworks and party antics.
Media outlet TASS reported the growing list of regions where pyrotechnics had been completely banned or heavily limited over the holidaysincluding in Crimea and the naval port Sevastopol.
Mobile internet has also been limited, as officials believe it could be guiding incoming drone strikesopenly preparing people for patchy connectivity over the holiday weekend.
In St Petersburg and Moscow, locals have been warned that mobile internet could be reduced or slowed in busy areas on New Year’s Eve, particularly where events are slated to take place.
On top of this, some Russians will also be deprived of vodka as some regions – including Kyzyl – have issued a complete sales ban on alcohol from December 31, 2025 to January 11, 2026.
Only certain bars and restaurants will be exempt.
In even stricter terms, Omsk will see the removal of even energy drinks from events over the holiday period.
In Irkutsk, residents aren’t even allowed to bring their own booze to public events, with celebration sites and the surrounding 100 metres designated as dry zones.
It is completely banned altogether from venues hosting mass events as well as parks and squares over the eight-day period in Abakan.
The Russian despot has become increasingly paranoid, believing celebratory explosions would be too reminiscent of the bombs in many communities as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russian strikes.
The bans come after Putin reportedly invented an attack by Ukrainian forces on one of his many palaces.
Independent reports have shown Russian mobile internet shutdowns surged throughout 2025, with authorities blaming “security” and drones threats.
The Kremlin is expected to test a complete separation of Russia from the worldwide web in 2026.
It has been four years since Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral were lit by fireworks to bring in the new year.
This year, Red Square will be closed and guarded by police.
The bans come as Putin refused to engage with Donald Trump’s peace moves, which could have seen a ceasefire in place.
Traditionally, Russians celebrate the New Year, while also trading gifts beneath a festive tree on the same day.
It is also the same day Grandfather Frost – Russia’s version of Santa – visits children.
Despite the alleged safety concerns being blamed for the curb in festivities, many Russians fear that Putin’s blanket bans are more about public control than public health.
Pro-Kremlin messaging has increasingly framed toned-down celebrations as a moral duty “because of the special military operation”, as the regime calls the war.